The Best AWD Cars Under $10,000

AWD cars are great to have during inclement weather and can be fun to drive on curvy roads. They can also be a bit expensive to buy, so finding one that meets our price point of $10,000 narrows our options to older models. As with all of our ”best of” lists, we checked Consumer Reports information, IIHS and NHTSA safety information, along with fair retail price ranges listed on kbb.com and nadaguides.com. After all of that research, here are the best AWD cars under $10,000.

Infiniti G35x under $10K

The Infiniti G35x is both refined and fun to drive. Outfitted with a sporty 3.5L V6 and a road gripping AWD system, you are sure to enjoy your everyday driving. You can find a 2005 Infiniti G35x for $9,500. Prices have dropped since this model was replaced by the G37. Just make you see the “x”, denoting all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz C-class under $10K

Keeping on with the luxury theme, we move into the Mercedes-Benz C-class. There are two AWD options within the C-class that meet our price point. The first is the C240. You can find a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 4MATIC for $9,000. The second option is the C320. You can find a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 4MATIC for $10,000. The C320 has a larger, more powerful engine, but does not return the same fuel economy. Even with ever more sophisticated technology, there is always that old trade-off between power and gas mileage.

Volvo S80 under $10K

Volvo reinvented its styling in the early 2000s. The new look is striking and unique during an era of cookie-cutter cars. The S80 offers AWD as an option on the 2.5T trim level. While that is the base model for the S80 it does feature a sporty 2.5L turbo-charged 5-cylinder engine. You can find a 2006 Volvo S80 2.5T with AWD for $10,000 in your area.

Chrysler 300 AWD under $10K

Chrysler offers AWD as an option on two trim levels of the 300. The 300 Touring is the only one that meets our price point. The Touring edition features a responsive 3.5L HO V6 to compliment the enhanced handling of AWD. You can find a 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring for $10,000. The second AWD option is the 300C with a 5.7L Hemi V8. Unfortunately, the 300C misses our price point. If you can stretch your budget a little bit, you can find a 2005 Chrysler 300C with AWD for $11,500.

Audi TT Quattro under $10K

Perhaps the best AWD cars are the sports cars. Audi offers AWD in several of its vehicles, but the TT is by far the most responsive and fun to drive. The TT features a standard 3.2L V6 that can hit 60 before you know it and the optional 6-speed manual makes the TT fun to drive anywhere. You can find a 2004 Audi TT Quattro with either the six-speed manual or an automatic in the neighborhood of $9,200.